Interview: Oscar G Talks New Nervous Records Album 'For The Culture,' Not Following Trends

Oscar G is back on Nervous records with a personal, yet ambitious album called 'For The Culture' out February 15.

Miami's Oscar G is back on Nervous Records with a personal, yet ambitious album called For The Cultureout today. The DJ was a massive contribution to Space Miami nightclub, where he served as a resident for 10 years. He would often do marathon sets on Saturday for 10 hours. Oscar has 11 no. 1 Billboard 'Club' hits and remixed Depeche Mode, the Pet Shop Boys, Madonna and The Spice Girls. He earned a residency in New York at Club Space Ibiza and later at Output. We've seen many DJs coming from NYC to perform in Miami but very rarely the other way around, Oscar is the exception to the rule. Under his Murk moniker he's also responsible for some serious dance classics. More recently he launched his own imprint Made in Miami, a platform for local and international rising talents. It has features dance legends like Arthur Baker, DJ Sneak, Demuir, George Acosta and his partner in crime Lazaro Casanova.

From his new album For The Culture we chose to premiere "So Into You" a soulful tune with a lovely vocal and a nice piano riff. The 12 tracks coming out aren't just soulful house, "Bounce That Ass" is going to a total different territory, with a dark bass and some out there acid sounds. "Omi Yeye" is again another vibe featuring latin vocals & drums and some trippy synths. His album will sure surprise you since it's going different directions, but isn't it what house music is all about?As Oscar says he's not into making tech house loops and call it the day so don't expect the usual drum sounds you hear from everyone else.

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We decided to catch up with Oscar to find out a bit more about the album, being political, not following trends and more. Pick up a copy of the album on Beatport, iTunes or wherever you get music.

At a time when digital and social media is taking over books & music. Why did you call your album For The Culture?

The title is more so a nod to the core culture of dance music I fell in love with as a young kid and has been a huge part of my life since. The more things get divided into genres and sub-genres, the more the essence becomes diluted. Trends, posers and opportunists tend to thrive in that kind of climate, but in the end, the core culture always stays pure and marches on. This is me standing for and doing my best to stay true to that culture.

As most of the USA is freezing...Tell us how is it like hanging out in the streets of little Havana? We need to feel that heat.

I feel for my friends that are dealing with the cold. The 305 is home and winters are one of the best things about it. When you’re born and raised here you have no clue how to even deal with those kind of conditions. We know hurricanes though. As for hanging in the streets of Little Havana, you better know where you’re going there..lol..it’s not all cafecitos and cigars..make a wrong turn and you will still get jacked.

Is it you on the album cover? How old were you back then?

Yes, that’s me on cover. That was a DJ console my Dad helped me build for the mobile gigs I was doing at the time, mostly house parties, school dances and quinceaneras. I was about 13 in that photo.

What kind of relationship do you have with Nervous Records and its head Michael?

Nervous Records is a legendary label and pivotal to the culture of house music. I am lucky to be part of their long history. Mike is family and allows me to create without limitations. He understands artists and respects the process like nobody else I’ve come across in the biz.

When listening to your album it feels like you really don't care about following the trend, the drums are very different than most house music tracks out there. Tell us how you get inspired to create your music.

I could not care less about trends. I just try to be honest and work from the gut with music. This is probably not a great strategy in terms of a business model, but it’s the only way I know how to do this.Drums are one of my favorite things about music and are the essence of all music. I’m not trying to slap some regurgitated tech house loops together and call it a day.

How is your label Made in Miami doing?

The label is a labor of love. It’s an attempt to showcase new talent and sounds that I would feature in my DJ sets. We’ve had some pretty dope events in the last couple of years and we have no plans of slowing down.

Would you see yourself doing an official remix for Madonna again?

Of course, she knows where to find me!

Do you think a DJ should be engaged politically? This question comes up because you sampled Obama in your song "More Free. "

I think everyone should be engaged politically. That song is not political though. It is about freedom and our right to it. Obama is just the messenger, not the message. Love is the message.

Is there something we forgot? Would you like to add something for your fans?

All I have is love and gratitude for my fans. I’m certainly not the trendiest guy out there and tend to stick to my guns and they ride with me. I appreciate that support and they inspire me to keep pushing. I hope they enjoy this album. It’s for them. It’s for the culture.